When summer time finally rolls around, I can get back to reading. Reading is actually one of my favorite things to do, but when school is in session, there is just no time. I’m sure that’s true for most teachers. I always have a few books stored away on my wishlist or shelf just waiting for the covers to be cracked, but I’m always on the lookout for new ones to add. So, I thought, “What a fun idea for a summer linky!” Below are five titles up for your consideration, and at the bottom, you can link up your suggestions for what you’ve read and loved. I can’t wait to watch my wishlist grow!

1) Up to Bat – John Grisham’s Sycamore Row
Keep in mind that I am usually several years behind what’s hot in books, shows, and movies because my yearly schedule stays packed. So even though this is a 2013 publication, I am just currently reading it, and I’m struggling to put it down! This is the second Jake Brigance novel. The first? A Time to Kill. If you’ve never considered it, do. If you are familiar with it, enough said. I’m only hoping there is a movie in the works…. Matthew McConaughey?

2) On Deck – James Dashner’s The Maze Runner
Again, behind, I know. But I promised myself I would read this one before I watched the movie. My husband, on the other hand, prefers watching to reading, so the wait is killing him :)!

3) In the Hole – Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman
I’m pretty sure this is on everyone’s wishlist, but I had to add it here because I am so curious. Two points of view of the same text from one of the greatest writers of all time. Fascinating.

4) Base Hit – Jodi Picoult’s Salem Falls
This 2001 book is a page turner to the very end – literally. I am big fan of Picoult’s writing style – so smart. So, one summer I loaded up on some of her books at the local used bookstore. This was in my stack, and it piqued my interested based on the intertextuality with The Crucible and the Salem Witch Trials. I am putting it on my short list here because it is a book that I have read multiple times. As with any Picoult novel, the characters are richly developed, the plot twists and turns, and the details are delish.

5) MVP – James Patterson’s Sam’s Letters to Jennifer
It is tough for me to pick just one all-time favorite book. Typically when someone asks me for my favorite book, I answer in categories (so I can choose more than one). For my students, it’s_______; For teaching, it’s______; For pleasure, it’s______; – so this is a hard one. In this case, I’m going to say this title is on the list as a personal favorite – not tied to school – and in that case, I’m a sucker for a sappy love story! I also have to say here that I have several ties for first, so this is just one of my favorites. You don’t typically expect a love story from James Patterson – he even said so when I heard him speak a few years ago at NCTE. But…. this story does have the twists and turns you would expect from a Patterson novel. Of, course Sam’s Letters might also be my favorite, since I do have a signed copy! In fact, it might be time to read it again!

So take a second, and link up your books of summer! Link up 1-2 books that you love. You can link directly from Amazon or to a blog post you’ve written. Don’t forget to check back as the list grows, AND help promote!